Went to an arts event yesterday but I think my method of chatting people is utterly incorrect

I went with the intention of picking up plate options but ended up opening a girl and talking to her about her work/events management, leapfrogged that connection to make friends with the bartender without buying a drink, got briefly introduced to a businesswoman who is in charge of the joint and met aforementioned girl's friend.

Out of all of those people although 3 of them were women realistically only the first girl was within achievability (businesswoman intimidates me, her friend was not my type)

I'm actually very confused on how to pick up plates because I'm so terrified of stepping on toes through inappropriate flirting that I end up building business relationships instead. Which really sucks because I end up not focusing on either one

TLDR I go to events I have some knowledge of so it's easier to build rapport with complete strangers, but I'm terrified of false accusations and this scares the hell out of me when thinking of how to flirt so I immediately backpedal and retreat into utter sexless talk mode

Help